25
Jul

Meet Miguel – ACV Varadero Rep

From travel tips to local recommendations, get the skinny from someone who knows Varadero best.

1. NameMiguel

2. How long have you been an ACV destination rep?Since December 2015

3. What do you love most about your job?What I like most is the challenge to overcome any issue related to Customer Relations. The fact that one can learn something new every day from all kinds of different people and no single day, week, or month is the same, makes this job a very motivating one.

4. How is Varadero different from Holguin, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, and Havana?Varadero has more infrastructure than the other beach destinations in Cuba (Holguin, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco); we have 3 malls, many markets, a big number of night clubs, restaurants and bars, and a golf club. Havana is the top tourist destination in Cuba and it’s the ideal destination to experience city life, but not the beach. The beaches there are not comparable to the ones in Varadero. As Varadero is located only 140 km from Havana, it’s really the best choice for those who want to experience a little bit of everything: sun, beach, city and a local town’s real life.

5. What is a surprising fact about Varadero?Varadero is the closest destination to Havana, the capital city of Cuba; it takes only 2 hours by car or by bus. If one selects any other beach destination (Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, or Holguin), the only way to have a round trip to Havana in 1 day would be by plane.

6. Describe your perfect day in Varadero.I would spend the day with my family, going first to the dolphin aquarium, followed by a swim in the ocean. Afterwards, we’d eat grilled fish and we’d end the day by taking jet ski rides.

7. What local dish do you recommend and where is the best place to try it?The best dish you can try in Varadero is lobster at Varadero 60.

8. Where is your favorite spot to watch the sunset?Any beach in Varadero is good for watching the sunset, but at Mansion Xanadu Terrace, it is unbelievable.

9. Could you please teach us a few local expressions?

Una cerveza por favor. One beer please.

Cuanto cuesta ir hasta _________? How much is it to go to…?

Podria decirme donde se encuentra_________? Could you tell me where I can find…?

10. In your opinion, what is a must-do in Varadero?Visitors should not miss the chance to enjoy a concert by Buena Vista Social Club. They perform once a week and it’s a unique opportunity to hear traditional Cuban music played by the absolute best.

11. In your opinion, what is the best beach and why?In my opinion, the best beach spot stretches from the Barcelo Solymar resort to the Sol Sirenas Coral hotel. The beach dune, here, is the biggest and the cleanest of all the peninsula. No rocks on the beach are seen in this area.

12. Any tips for first-time travelers to Cuba?Cuba is the safest destination in the Caribbean, but valuables still should not be taken outside unnecessarily. Don’t leave the hotel without bottled water, sun block and toilet paper. Do not rent scooters that are not covered by insurance and if possible, don’t rent a car if you don’t know the area since we have a shortage of signs and roads are not in the best condition.